remote log-in

This may get you pointed in the right direction.
Q232511 - Win95/98/NT Dialup, Authentication, Browsing Using TCPIP, IPX/SPX, or NetBEUI

Go to
http://www.symantec.com

And look at a product called

pcanywhere

There are two basic options for connecting to your computer. The first is to have a modem set to auto-answer - you dial the phone number and the modem answers and passes the connection to a remote control program such as pcAnywhere (there are several others but pcAnywhere seems to be the market leader). The downside to this approach is the toll charges for the long distance calls, although if you will be doing this a lot, you might consider a tollfree inbound phone number.

The other option, if your computer has an always-on Internet connection (DSL, cable modem, etc.) is to get an ISP with a local presence everywhere you go or a tollfree number with reasonable charges. You would then establish your Internet connection with the ISP and establish a remote control session over the Internet, again using a remote control product like pcAnywhere (or the freeware product VNC from AT&T Cambridge Labs).

I've used both and I like the second option better. But, as a practical matter, it does depend on a full-time Internet connection at home.

paul